IPSWICH TOWN manager Mick McCarthy is facing competition from Crystal Palace to land former loan striker, DJ Campbell.

The QPR forward, who plundered 10 goals in 17 games for the Blues during a successful loan period at Portman Road earlier this season, has been told he can leave Loftus Road by manager, Harry Redknapp.

We understand that McCarthy has lodged a bid for the 31-year-old hitman, but his form in Suffolk has alerted a number of other teams with Premier League side, Fulham and Championship high-flyers, Hull City and Cardiff City, the latest teams reportedly interested in the former Hayes & Yeading man.

However, Palace could now be at the front of the queue to sign Campbell, courtesy of the striker’s relationship with Eagles’ boss, Ian Holloway. Campbell’s goals, during a loan spell at Blackpool, helped fire the Tangerines to the Premier League when Holloway was in charge.

Holloway confirmed today that he had spoken with R’s boss Harry Redknapp regarding the frontman: “Have I rung Harry Redknapp? Yeah. Does that mean I’m going to get him? No.

“Am I fighting for him? Yeah. Will I get him? I don’t know.

”But it’s him and AN Other. There are lots of other players I could get.

“I never promise the fans anything I can’t produce. I remember the Quincy Jones song The Dude, ‘don’t let your mouth write a cheque that your body can’t cash’. That’s what I don’t like doing.

“I’m trying my best, the board are trying their best to add to the group and we know time is ticking.”

QPR are prepared to off-load the striker, following the arrival of French forward, Loic Remy, from Marseille and the return of Jay Bothroyd from a loan at Sheffield Wednesday.

Fellow Rangers striker, Djibril Cisse, is in talks over a move to Qatar side, Al-Gharafa.